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Title: Degradation, cleanup, and reusability of octylphenyl-N,N{prime}-diisobutylcarbamoylmethyl phosphine oxide (CMPO) during partitioning of minor actinides from high level waste (HLW) solutions

Journal Article · · Separation Science and Technology

The radiolytic degradation of the extractant mixture 0.2 M octylphenyl-N,N{prime}-diisobutylcarbamoylmethyl phosphine oxide (CMPO) + 1.2 M tributyl phosphate in n-dodecane [to be utilized for the partitioning of minor actinides from high level waste (HLW) solutions of PUREX origin] has been investigated in contact with 3 M HNO{sub 3} or synthetic pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWR)-HLW solution under dynamic conditions. The distribution ratios of Am, Zr, Fe and Ru with the irradiated extractant mixture at varying doses have been determined under various aqueous phase conditions and correlated with the formation of degradation products. Various cycles of loading the extractant mixture with Am from PHWR-HLW, irradiating at a fixed gamma dose, and then primary and secondary clean-up of the solvent has been carried out to illustrate its reusability during partitioning of minor actinides from actual HLW solutions. The degradation products of CMPO have been identified by employing GC and GC-MS techniques.

Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
OSTI ID:
293014
Journal Information:
Separation Science and Technology, Vol. 33, Issue 14; Other Information: PBD: Oct 1998
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English